"25%" represents a fraction that indicates one-quarter of a whole. It can be expressed as the decimal 0.25 or the ratio 1:4. In various contexts, such as finance or statistics, it is often used to show a portion of a total amount, making it easier to understand relative sizes. In practical terms, if you have 100 items, 25% means you have 25 items. This concept is commonly applied in areas like discounts, where a 25% discount on a $100 purchase would reduce the price to $75. Understanding percentages like 25% helps in making informed decisions in everyday life.